Mike Phelan, who had been Ferguson’s assistant prior to the Scot’s retirement, repeated the claim in an interview on BBC Radio 5 Live this week. Referencing Rooney’s initial request to leave in 2010, Phelan said: “You can put the first transfer request down to inexperience but the second one is putting yourself right out there.”

However, Rooney disputes that version of events.

He is not believed to be seeking a move away at this point and is apparently fearful he will face a backlash from the club's fans over the matter if he stays. Moyes, his manager at Everton, is said to be eager to retain the player.

The reports suggest the 27-year-old had become disillusioned with life under Ferguson, who last season played him in midfield, questioned his fitness and left him out of high-profile matches. The Mirror understands, however, that Rooney would be “happy to play a team role either wide in a three-man forward line or at the front of midfield if required” under Moyes.